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How you can help hungry caterpillars this spring

A close up photo of a brown caterpillar with snake-like markings resting on a branch among some green leaves.PA Media

An elephant hawk moth larva

If you've read The Very Hungry Caterpillar, you'll know how much those tiny creatures love to munch - although real caterpillars prefer plants instead of cake and lollipops.

This spring, people are being encouraged to let them feast on their gardens, as part of a campaign by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) and the Wildlife Trusts.

It's all to help the 2,500 species of moth found in the UK, which help to pollinate plants and are food for animals like birds and bats.

According to the two organisations, moth numbers have dropped by a third since the 1960s because of pollution, climate change and fewer green spaces.

A black moth with bright red spots resting on a pink thistle flower.PA Media

A six-spot burnet moth

The RHS and the Wildlife Trusts say that it's important to let caterpillars nibble at plants and flowers because it means they can fatten up before they transform into moths.

For some adult moths, this is especially important as they don't eat anything at all, surviving on the energy they stored up as caterpillars.

The campaign is also encouraging people to grow certain plants and flowers in their gardens, as some caterpillars can be picky about what they eat.

It says that trees and shrubs including willow, honeysuckle, foxgloves and sweet William are particularly popular with lots of caterpillar species.

To help nocturnal moths, it suggests making a "night-time nectar bar" that includes plants like sweet rocket, jasmine and white campion.

A moth with black and cream markings perched on some purple flowers.Getty Images

Jersey tiger moths have red, cream and black markings

Although moths are mostly active at night, around 150 species can be spotted during the day, according to the RHS and the Wildlife Trusts.

Some species of moth are particularly colourful, like pink and olive green elephant hawk moths and Jersey tiger moths, which have red, cream and black markings.

Vicki Hird, who is an insect expert at The Wildlife Trusts, said: "Moths are stunning in name and beautiful by nature. Even little brown moths can have wonderful, intricate markings.

"Making a simple moth trap is a wonderful way of enjoying these incredible creatures up close - before releasing it back into the wild."

She added: "Let's all help them in our gardens and enjoy the benefits they bring."